Data center proposed in northwest Colorado Springs, neighbors have concerns

Residents of the Chelsea Glen neighborhood in northwest Colorado Springs are expressing significant opposition to a proposed data center, Project Tourist, planned by the company Rate. Neighbors, who value the quiet and open space of their community, have voiced concerns about noise, energy consumption, and water usage. These anxieties are heightened by a prior negative experience with a crypto mining business, 3G Venture, which occupied the same building from 2018 to 2022 and reportedly caused incessant noise issues. Jason Green, CEO and co-founder of Rate, addressed these concerns, clarifying that 3G Venture, the former crypto mining operator and current building owner, will not be involved in the data center project after the sale of the property to Rate is complete. Green assured residents that data centers operate differently from crypto mining and that a noise study has been conducted, with equipment to be installed to keep noise levels below 50 decibels. Regarding water use, Green explained that Rate will employ a closed-loop cooling system, requiring a one-time water volume for initial setup. Colorado Springs Utilities confirmed that businesses like Rate follow a specific process, with the company bearing all associated costs. A community meeting is scheduled for the following day at the Hyatt Place Hotel on the northwest side, hosted by the city, to further discuss the project with residents.